Chelsea vs Aston Villa predictions: Palmer can inspire Blues once again

- Cole Palmer has scored five of his seven league goals at home this season
- The winger has scored 21 times across his last 22 home league appearances
- Recommended bet: Cole Palmer to score at any time

Aston Villa head to Stamford Bridge on Sunday aiming to end a seven-game winless run. 

While they were cruelly denied a midweek victory over Juventus in the Champions League, the extra load from their European schedule is taking its toll on their results.

Chelsea have no such worries, as their deep squad has allowed for plenty of rotation. That has kept Cole Palmer and co fresh for a top-four push. 

Team news

Reece James has been dealt a fresh injury blow, leaving the right-back out for the rest of the year at least. His deputy Malo Gusto is struggling with illness, but he is expected to return in time for this encounter.

Aston Villa are without Jacob Ramsey for this clash, while Amadou Onana faces a late fitness test. The midfielder has not featured for Villa since the international break, but he is closing in on a return to action. 

The stats

Aston Villa have lost all three of their meetings with sides above them in the league this term.

The Villains have conceded 11 goals in their six away trips to date.

Of those 11, six came in visits to Tottenham and Liverpool in their previous two league trips.

Chelsea have scored in each of their last five home league games.

Palmer has scored over half of Chelsea’s Premier League goals at Stamford Bridge this term.

The winger recorded 0.89 xG without scoring in last weekend’s win at Leicester.

Prediction

Chelsea have a perfect record in the Europa Conference League, with their second-string winning all four of their league phase games. Given the gulf between the Blues and their European opponents, Palmer was left out of the squad for that competition.

The England international has been brilliant once again for the Blues in the Premier League, putting in a strong display against Leicester last weekend. While Palmer failed to find the scoresheet at the King Power, he did rack up an Expected Goals tally of 0.89.

Palmer should get back on the scoresheet this weekend, as he has saved his best work for Stamford Bridge over the last 18 months. Of his seven Premier League goals this season, five have been scored in home matches.

In fact, Palmer has scored 21 times across his 22 home appearances in the league for Chelsea. That return makes him a tempting anytime goalscorer option this weekend, especially as Villa are struggling defensively.

The visitors have shipped 11 goals on their travels, with that number having more than doubled thanks to a 4-1 loss at Tottenham and a 2-0 defeat at Liverpool in their previous two league trips. 

Given Palmer’s fine goalscoring record at home, back him to add to Villa’s defensive woes. 

Back Cole Palmer to score at any time at 6/5 with LiveScore Bet

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